(from Venturi)
With 3.6 m2 of photovoltaic cells giving an exceptional yield of
21%, and covered by a film composed of nano-prisms enabling denser
concentration of solar energy, Astrolab is the first
high-performance solar vehicle to be commercialised in the world.

Capable of working with very little energy (16 kWc engine) and of
recharging even when in motion, this vehicle of another era does not
need to be permanently exposed to the sun in order to move. Its
last-generation NiMH Venturi NIV-7 batteries – liquid cooled – in
fact enable it to restitute stored energy, whether solar or from the
electricity supply, making it the first electro-solar hybrid
vehicle.
With a top speed of 120 km/hr and autonomy of 110 km, Astrolab is a
real “Solar Commuter” making extensive trips on a daily basis.

CONSUMPTION = 0, EMISSIONS = 0

This is very first vehicle that consumes no fossile resources in
order to work : the emissions of CO2 required for its construction
will even be compensated for by evironmental actions.
A parallel can be drawn between Astrolab and a sailboat : both
advance silently while making best use of the elements provided by
Nature. And the piloting of both makes for sensations unlike any
other.
To attain this level of performance while using very little energy,
Astrolab has been designed like a Formula 1 : its carbon monocoque
chassis is ultra-light and serves as an oversized protection cell
ensuring the safety of its occupants in the event of a collision.
Its profile recalls the aqua-dynamic design of great racing yachts.

new era in terms of design

Astrolab also opens up a
new era as regards automobile architecture : light and
high-profiled, it offers the rays of the sun 3.6 m2 of today’s most
sophisticated photovoltaic cells (for an overall vehicle length
under 4 m).

Its designer Sacha Lakic describes Astrolab as : “a flying wing set
on four wheels”.

Optimised to incoporate its solar cells, the Astrolab’s design takes
into account the effect of passengers’ weight on the vehicle’s
dynamic behaviour. Very light when empty, the tandem architecture
makes for perfect balance, whether the vehicle is occupied by one
person or two.

With Astrolab, Venturi has given priority to the solar solution as
its energy conversion technology : all of its developments allow us
to hope for even higher yields in the years to come.

Within a 30-year perspective, Venturi is the only automobile
manufacturer capable of presenting such a solution while ensuring
new driving sensations and an essential aspect of automobiles : the
dream.